The fall migration of birds that is bringing out area bird watchers is under way. Since August, skies over Hanover have been the flight patterns for a variety of birds, especially birds of prey.

Pennsylvania’s mountains, ridges and gorges provide the updrafts that assist birds on their movement south. Even the lowly Pigeon Hills north of town provide an excellent path for birds to rest or catch a thermal to gain height to continue their journey.

Years ago, experts at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pottsville, documented the fall migration flight of a broad-winged hawk that took it over Hanover. Hawk migration, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, usually begins in August and can continue into October and November.

Cold fronts in late August and September are a signal for other species such as warblers, flycatchers and thrushes to more south. Sparrows and other seed-eaters generally head out in October. Waterfowl and wading birds can be seen moving from their norther breeding areas in October and November.

A migrating bird can be sighted just about anywhere, even one’s backyard. But area birding enthusiasts head for Codorus State Park which has been named an “Important Birding Area” by the National Audubon Society. Five miles of trails provide easy access to different habitats where over the years some 240 species of birds have been identified, especially waterfowl, osprey, bald eagles, hawks and a variety of song birds.

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Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is an observation, research and education facility in Kempton, Pa.
Maddie Crocenzi

Audubon Pennsylvania says that the fall migration may not be as colorful as the spring migration because many of the species would have lost their bright breeding feathers making them difficult to spot. Also, many may not be singing.

This is of one of the times of the year when you may want to keep a good birding guide and a pair of binoculars handy and enjoy our feathered friends.

Codorus State Park is offering a chance to get started during a “Migratory Shorebird Watch, Saturday, Sept, 16, starting at 8 a.m. which could provide an “opportunity to see shorebirds not commonly seen in our area.”

Participants will meet at the boat launch, 2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover.

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Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located on a ridge at Hawk Mountain in Kempton, Pa. The wildlife sanctuary is open year-round, and serves as an observation, research and education facility. Maddie Crocenzi, York Daily Record

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Storms and birds

Migration and hurricane season cross paths each year. Often, the two do not mix.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology says most birds will wait for favorable weather and winds before heading south, especially before flying 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. But those that head out over water and are caught in hurricane may not have enough energy to fight the strong headwinds. Those that do make it are often blown off course.

The Lab says, “Before and after flights, when migrants have higher than normal food requirements, they may have problems finding safe supplies of food in areas devastated by storms. Resident birds in hurricane areas also suffer when their food supplies, such as fruits and berries, are stripped from trees and shrubs. Like migrants, they may wander to other areas in search of food. Preserving critical coastal habitats is essential for these birds.

Years ago, experts at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary documented the fall migration flight of a broad-winged hawk that took it over Hanover. Hawk migration, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, usually begins in August and can continue into October and November.(Photo11: KenCanning, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

“Birds and hurricanes have coexisted for millennia, and given the chance, healthy bird populations rebound from the effects of such natural disasters. Unfortunately, humans make this difficult for some birds because we have destroyed so much natural coastal habitat, and so nowadays hurricanes pose greater threats to vulnerable bird populations than they once did. Working to preserve and restore as much coastal habitat as possible, to minimize toxic spills and leaks during storms by enacting and enforcing strict regulations, and to keep bird populations healthy year round are our best strategies for minimizing the long-term effects of hurricanes on birds.”

Bob Marchio is outdoor writer for The (Hanover) Evening Sun. He may be reached at bmarchio@embargmail.com.